US tourists drive surge in direct flights and revenue for Greece

American travelers have become the leading source of foreign visitors to Athens International Airport, with about 1.18 million U.S. passengers recorded in 2025 – a 12 % rise over 2024. The United States now ranks first among the top ten overseas markets for the airport, boosting tourism earnings as U.S. visitors spend more per capita than other European source markets.

The increase in direct air links is a key factor. In the current year there are 103 nonstop connections between Greece and the United States, and eleven scheduled routes for the summer of 2026 link U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington‑Dulles and Atlanta with Athens. Major U.S. carriers – Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines – are expanding frequencies, while low‑cost Norse Atlantic Airways adds budget options from New York. Discussions are also under way about launching nonstop flights from Thessaloniki to the United States.

Greek officials view the American market, together with Canada, as strategically vital for extending the tourism season beyond the summer months and reducing seasonality through greater seat availability.